ASHRAE Level 1, 2, and 3 Audits Explained
A practical guide to ASHRAE Standard 211 audit levels: what each covers, when to use it, and how to produce a submittable report.
ASHRAE Standard 211 defines three levels of energy audits, each with increasing detail and accuracy.
**Level 1 — Walkthrough Assessment** A Level 1 audit identifies no-cost and low-cost opportunities, spots obvious maintenance issues, and provides a rough savings estimate. It is ideal for portfolio screening or budget planning.
**Level 2 — Energy Survey and Analysis** A Level 2 audit adds detailed energy use analysis, breakdowns by end use, and economic evaluation of recommended measures. It produces a detailed report suitable for most retrofit decisions.
**Level 3 — Detailed Analysis of Capital Modifications** A Level 3 audit is used for capital-intensive projects. It includes calibrated energy modeling, rigorous savings analysis, interactive-effects evaluation, and measurement and verification plans.
Choosing the right level depends on project risk, budget, and the confidence your stakeholders need in the savings numbers.